SO what do you guys think of......

[Ray in Kingwood]

Fixin to pull the trigger on this one......any comments guys...?

I have 8 drills, sanders, routers, da's, and nibblers, and sawzalls and portabands and portable saws, hammerdrills........so I am pretty loyal to Milwalkee.
They are built like tanks and just plain hold up.

I just noticed I never saw you guys mention them.....I am gonna buy one of these for my rotary polisher.

SPECS

Double Insulated Spindle Lock for Convenient Accessory Change Self-Stopping Long Life Brush System Powerful MILWAUKEE Built 11 AMP Motors Helical Gearing All Ball and Roller Bearings Aluminum Gear Case with Protective Urethane Bumpers Dial Speed Control - Exclusive MILWAUKEE electronic speed control in powerful 11 AMP polishers - ideal for clearcoat finishes. Quik-Lok Cord Set Included - Quick detachment from tool for tangle-free carrying and storage. Includes: One 7" rubber backing pad, disc nut and nylon washer. Specifications: Pad Dia. - 7" Volts - 120 AC AMPS - 11 Speed (No Load) RPM - 0-2800 Length - 16-1/2".

[jshillin]

I always heard that it was a heavy machine... Might want to check the weight before you buy it.

[Danase]

The weight is an issue for a lot of people. However I know people using a 14-18 pound GEM Orbital in detail shops daily and they get used to the weight and actually like the added weight.

[BlueZero]

Just for your information...

Milwaukee - 8.8 lbs
Hitachi - 6.2 lbs
Makita - 6.6 lbs

[Accumulator]

And the Metabo weighs even less than the Makita/Hitachi. I used a Milwaukee back when I was a kid, and it's one heavy piece of equipment. Usually I'd *like* that, but not in this case.

I'm in great shape, and never thought I'd appreciate weight differences like these, but I was wrong- I *do* appreciate even little differences. It's not just a matter of the job being easier/tougher; I find I like using the lighter units a lot more and, perhaps consequently, IMO I do better work with a lighter machine.

Also, I've found I prefer to use rotaries without a side/bale handle. I never tried using a Milwaukee without a handle, doesn't look too workable but I could be wrong

Oh, and check the speed range- some Milwaukees don't go down all that low.

[Ray in Kingwood]

Yeah I already knew it was heavier......but its a quality piece. I have over 20 of their motorized tools in my shop and have used and abused them for years......and they hold up and work damn well. Besides........I like the fact they are an American made tool....That alone is a major plus for me. I try to buy American made as much as possible......although its difficult. It OM made a DA like the Flex I would have bought it.

[lrg]

I've got a Milwuakee, great tool. Like everyone has said, it is a bit heavier than some, but it is a very tough tool. I too have used many of their tools over the years and their quality is top notch, I'd expect it to last a lifetime. If you're already a Milwuakee fan, go for it!!

[Accumulator]

OK, OK, I sure won't argue with somebody wanting a built-to-last tool that's made in the US

But...

Originally Posted by Accumulator

Oh, and check the speed range- some Milwaukees don't go down all that low.

What speed range *does* it have? I go under 1K rpms fairly often and I thought their US offerings had a pretty high slowest speed